Queen Inn, Winchester

Located in civilized southern Winchester, close to the College, the Queen Inn is a very relaxed affable pub. The long single bar is well decorated, and outside a sinuous beer garden and a sheltered front patio provide much extra space for patrons.

Up to eight real ales are served, which should provide something for everyone. Up to two beers are served on gravity straight from the cask. The pub website and Facebook are updated frequently to list the beers available; and those coming soon. The pub microbrewery was installed in spring 2022; it now brews about once every week, and can be seen at the town (north) end of the bar. The annual beer festival runs over the Spring Bank Holiday, when the beer choice gets even bigger.

The freshly cooked menu shows some enterprising twists on pub favourites. The pub tries hard to use very local ingredients, and there are nearly always daily specials as well. The menu is extended on Sunday to include various roasts.

The nearest bus stops are in St Cross Road and Ranelagh Road. But the walks into Winchester, either north along Kingsgate Road or via the River Itchen water meadows are both well worth the little effort involved.